I have a confession to make. Before we moved to Sydney, I always considered the Sydney cafe to be a little stiff. A little too proper for my liking. We decided to live in Surry Hills for a few yummy reasons and also because we thought @mamajeroxie will prefer the vibrancy of suburb. It is close enough to the city that she can stroll to and it is about 7km drive away from Bondi and Bronte. It is close about 20 minutes walk to Paddington, Centennial Park and the list goes on and on. Surry Hills is more of a hipster land but also filled with all sorts of interesting people. The surrounding cafes and restaurants are more relaxed and chill out. So yes, we are in a good spot and enjoying Sydney.

I can’t recall where I first heard of Kitchen by Mike. But if I am to make a wild guess, it will have to be twitter. It is usually my source of where to go and eat and play. It has relevance and I trust the twerps in giving me the right suggestions. What about you? What and where is your source of information? Anyway, Kitchen by Mike is in Rosebery which is about 10 minutes drive. We got out our trusted GPS and away we went. We were unsure when the GPS said “You have arrived at your destination.” Really? So secluded? Where is this place? Is this really 85, Dunning Avenue?

And then we saw the big number 85. Kitchen by Mike is within Koskela which sells and produces Australian furniture and homewares. It’s a huge open space warehouse and I love it.

Kitchen by Mike and Koskela

I reckon I could spend a couple of hours in Koskela. I love the couches, the bean bags, the bed and everything else. But of course, they all come with a rather hefty price tag. I can only wish and so only ended by with similar enamel plates used by Kitchen by Mike. Mister knows that I am eyeing on the couch and the big beautiful lights. Stunning!

Koskela

Kitchen by Mike is set up by former head chef of Rockpool, Michael McEnearney. It’s a canteen style type cafe and the menu changes on a daily basis. You can check out their Facebook page for a daily update. But one thing I do know is that the smoothie runs out really early. So get in early if you want a smoothie. I missed out

Kitchen by Mike

I love the outfit of this cafe. There are big and long communal tables and also mostly tables for fours. It is interesting that there is a corner for produce for sale. They sell what they cook and what we eat. If that makes sense. I thought it is a very interesting concept.

kitchen by mike

We shall get some of the desserts on return visits. We decided to give this a miss this time. But then if I stayed a little longer, I might have been swayed by the chocolate flourless cake! And by the way, they do serve wine, beers and ciders as well. There is a canister of dangerous looking red wine sitting next to the till. It’s the 2011 Consequence natural wine. And apparently, there is an interesting cider in house as well. Will have to check that out another time as well.

kitchen by mike

The salads here are sold by the scoop. It ranges from $3.50 to $7 a scoop. I thought $7 a scoop is a on the pricey side. A scoop of rich, decadent potato gratin is $7. What do you think? I have to admit that everything is really fresh and well balanced but still thought it was a little exxy. Maybe I am not used to Sydney pricing yet.

I had a slight hangover. O M G… you must think I am a alcoholic by now. Anyway, I went for the pork belly. It was $12 for a slice and it came with a small but sufficient lashing of sweet sliced carrots and candied mustard fruits. I also had a side of potato gratin and fennel salad. The fennel salad was simple but delicious. What is this tiny berries? I thought baby grapes? The pork belly was juicy, fatty and melt in the mouth tender. Perfect hangover pork dish. But I did wish for crispy crackling.

Pork belly Kitchen by Mike

Mister got the roast tarragon chicken with a side of cabbage and eggplant, tomato and okra salad. Nice, sweet chicken but I prefer my pork belly. I love the crunchy cabbage and the eggplant was packed with a nice hint of cardamon flavour. Pity that I did not get a good taste of it. Mister finished it all…. sign of a good salad.

Check out the plate…. we got them at Koskela after. I love them!

chicken kitchen by mike

They do serve decent latte. Not as creamy or delicate but I am happy to drink it. I was just disappointed about the smoothie. We got there before noon and it is sold out. #sadface

Latte at Kitchen by Mike

There are 2 outside areas. One under the sun in the back and one at the side but under a shelter. It is a really lovely spot. Hidden away in Rosebery but I am sure people will flock to it. Hope I get a sit easily in the next visit though. The one thing that I still need to get used to it here is the massive queues once a place gets popular. One can hope but I will be doubtful if a place is empty and no queue. I am so difficult. LOL

How many kilos of potato can you buy for $7? I never buy potato, so I have no clue, but I am sure it would make a LOT of scoops of gratin. But seems like people pay $7 for a scoop and therefore the price will remain.
The furniture part of the shop looks like fun.Miss Kimbers @ Fruit Salad and Mixed Veg recently posted..Mandarin House and Gelatissimo, Adelaide

Who would have thought the ex head chef of the fine dine Rockpool would create a canteen style place it’s very interesting to pay by ‘scoop’ wouldn’t it be unfair that some staff will give customers a larger scoop lol

You are right about the coffee, it’s crap!
You should try the coffee up the street, Space Espresso Bar.
They have their own boutique blend, it’s heaps better!
AND the food is at a much reasonable price and bigger portions.